Exploring 'The County' in Maine

Monday

Dec 24, 2007 at 12:01 AMDec 24, 2007 at 10:18 PM

Tell your friends that you are on your way to Aroostook County for a getaway, and what you’ll probably get is a puzzled look and the question, “Why?” But after a couple days of world-class cross-country skiing or snowmobiling, you are most likely to say, “Why not?”

Tim Jones

Tell your friends that you are on your way to Aroostook County for a getaway, and what you’ll probably get is a puzzled look and the question, “Why?”

But after a couple days of world-class cross-country skiing or snowmobiling, you are most likely to say, “Why not?”

Known simply as “The County,” Aroostook is located in the upper right-hand corner not only of the state of Maine, but also of the entire U.S. Next stop, Canada.

It’s the largest county in land area east of the Mississippi, covering 6,829 square miles. But fewer than 75,000 people live there.

That leaves a lot of empty space to play.

Winter is the big tourist season in Aroostook County. Snowmobilers come from all over, drawn by deep snow and immaculately groomed trails. Rentals are plentiful.

Sometimes you’ll ride through virtual tunnels of spruce trees. Other places you can see for miles across rolling farm country.

Or you may find yourself crossing wetlands or river courses.

All of it is simply beautiful.

The County also has the best cross-country skiing in the northeast – 11 Nordic ski areas, including two world-class venues: The 10th Mountain Ski Center (www.10thmtskiclub.org) in Fort Kent and the Nordic Heritage Center (www.nordicheritagecenter.org) in Presque Isle.

While both are rated as world-class competition centers for Nordic and biathlon, they are wonderful for regular folks, too.

The budget motels in the area sell out quickly in snowmobile season. But if you’ve got kids, base at the Caribou Inn (www.caribouinn.com) in Caribou, which has a swimming pool.

Or, if you’re traveling with your sweetheart, I’d recommend the Rum Rapids Inn (www.rumrapidsinn.com), a beautiful, secluded B&B on the banks of the Aroostook River in Crouseville.

My girlfriend and I were, frankly, stunned by the great area restaurants, where dinner for two runs $50 to $75. Try the delicious Osso Bucco at Napoli’s in Caribou, or the Scallops Frangelico at the Greenhouse Restaurant at the Caribou Inn – the latter looking more like a truck stop than a fine dining establishment, but looks are deceiving.

You can fly up to Presque Isle on US Airways (www.usairways.com) from Boston for about $341 roundtrip. Rental cars are available at the airport.

For more information: Maine tourism, www.visitmaine.com; or Aroostook County tourism, www.visitaroostook.com.

Visit www.wickedlocal.com/getaway to explore the world of travel.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.